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WiFi Equipment Comparison

5Gstore sells a variety of devices used to create a Wi-Fi network, connect to an existing Wi-Fi network or extend the range of a Wi-Fi network. This page lists each of the Wi-Fi devices sold at 5Gstore and compares their primary functionality and purpose as well as their features. 

First things first! Below, we’ve highlighted and defined the different types of Wi-Fi equipment to provide a little foundational knowledge of networking systems.

  1. router is a networking device that accepts an internet connection and creates a private local network from it. Multiple computers and devices can connect (either via Wi-Fi or ethernet) to a router. There are multiple types of routers, including consumer routers, enterprise-grade routers and M2M/IoT routers, which are used for digital signage and smart cities. Router manufacturers include Cradlepoint, Sierra Wireless, Pepwave and others. 
  2. An access point refers to a device that broadcasts Wi-Fi so that computers and other devices can connect to a wired network. Many routers have Wi-Fi radios built into them, meaning that the router itself serves as an access point. However, for routers that don't have built-in Wi-Fi, an access point can be added to broadcast Wi-Fi. Access points can also be added to routers that already have Wi-Fi. This would apply in situations where more range is needed. Adding an access point to a router preserves the DHCP range of the network, meaning your computers and other devices can all remain on the same network and can connect and share files. An access point alone is not enough to create a wireless network. You still need a router to accept the internet connection and do the networking.
  3. Wi-Fi as WAN devices are used to pick up an external Wi-Fi network (such as campground Wi-Fi, free McDonald’s Wi-Fi, your smartphone's hotspot, etc.) and create a new private network. Some routers have the Wi-Fi-as-WAN feature built into them (so they are both a full-fledged router and Wi-Fi-as-WAN devices). There are also devices like the Pepwave Device Connector; its sole function is Wi-Fi as WAN. Wi-Fi as WAN is commonly used to connect to external Wi-Fi hotspots and create new secure networks, but it can also be used to extend the Wi-Fi range in a building. This would be implemented if a router only covers half of a home or business with Wi-Fi. The device connector would add a Wi-Fi as WAN to pick up the Wi-Fi signal from a router and relay it to the other side of the house or office building. Unlike an access point, Wi-Fi as WAN devices does NOT preserve the DHCP range of the network it is extending. A Wi-Fi as WAN setup creates a NEW network and broadcasts a new SSID. Computers on the new network cannot share files with computers on the primary/original network. 

 

What factors affect Wi-Fi range? The type of range you'll get from a Wi-Fi device is primarily dependent upon four factors:

  • Output power1: Output power is measured in mW (milliwatts). A milliwatt is equal to one thousandth (10−3) of a watt; the FCC regulates Wi-Fi output power to a maximum of 1 watt (1000mW) in the United States. Access points, routers and bridges with higher output power can broadcast Wi-Fi to a larger area. The milliwatt output rating is one of the easiest ways to determine approximately how much power a Wi-Fi device has and to compare it to other devices. For example, a router with 200mW of output power will be able to broadcast Wi-Fi twice as far as a router with only 100mW of output power (assuming all other factors are equal).
  • Wi-Fi antenna(s): All Wi-Fi devices use at least one Wi-Fi antenna to broadcast the Wi-Fi signals. Some devices have antennas built into the units (internal); others have external antennas. Some antennas are more powerful than others. For example, the Cradlepoint MBR95 and MBR1200B both have internal Wi-Fi antennas, but the MBR1200B's antenna strength is stronger. External Wi-Fi antennas tend to be significantly more powerful than internal antennas and can make up for lower output power. The Cradlepoint MBR95 has more output power than Cradlepoint’s IBR600, but the IBR600 uses two high-gain external Wi-Fi antennas (while the MBR95 uses one lower-gain internal Wi-Fi antenna). For that reason, the IBR600 actually provides a comparable Wi-Fi range.
  • Wi-Fi technology: Wireless 'N' radios are capable of broadcasting to a greater distance than previous Wi-Fi generations (g, b, a).
  • Environmental factors: Regardless of the device's specifications and features, the actual Wi-Fi range you'll see in your application will vary based on construction, layout and interference.
Product
Type
WiFi Technology
Frequency
Output Power
WiFi Antenna
WiFi as WAN and Access Point; can also be used in bridge mode
802.11 b/g/n OR 802.11 a/n
2.4GHZ or 5.0GHZ2
250mW at 2.4GHZ;
50mW at 5.0GHZ
2 x external
Router w/ WiFi as WAN
802.11 a/b/g/n
2.4GHZ or 5.0GHZ2
100mW at 2.4GHZ;
50mW at 5.0GHZ
1 x external
Router w/ WiFi as WAN
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ or 5.0GHZ2
400mW at 2.4GHZ;
100mW at 5.0GHZ
internal (2 external antennas can be added; sold separately)
Router w/ WiFi as WAN
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ
123mW
internal
Router w/ WiFi as WAN
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ
300mW
internal
Router w/ WiFi as WAN; can also be used in bridge mode
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ or 5.0GHZ2,3
407mW at 2.4GHZ;
355mW at 5.0GHZ
3 x external
Router w/ WiFi as WAN
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ
43mW
2 x external
Router w/ WiFi as WAN
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ
320mW
1 x external
Pepwave Max 700 / Max HD2 / Max HD4
Router w/ WiFi as WAN
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ
400mW
4 x external
Access Point (indoor)
802.11 a/b/g/n
2.4GHZ or 5.0GHZ2
50mW
1 x external
Access Point (indoor)
802.11ac/a/n and 802.11b/g/n
2.4GHZ & 5.0GHZ
250mW at 2.4GHZ;
130mW at 5.0GHz
internal
Access Point (indoor)
802.11 b/g/n
2.4GHZ or 5.0GHZ2
320mW at 2.4GHZ;
160mW at 5.0GHz
2 x external
Access Point (outdoor)
802.11b/g/n
2.4GHZ
320mW
internal
Access Point (outdoor)
802.11b/g/n
2.4GHZ
400mW
2 x external (not included)
Access Point (outdoor)
802.11a/n or 802.11b/g/n
2.4GHZ & 5.0GHZ
400mW at 2.4GHZ;
320mW at 5.0GHz
2 x external (not included)
Access Point (outdoor)
802.11a/n or 802.11b/g/n
2.4GHZ or 5.0GHZ2
400mW at 2.4GHZ;
320mW at 5.0GHz
2 x external (not included)
Access Point (indoor)
802.11a/n and 802.11b/g/n
2.4GHZ & 5.0GHZ
50mW at 2.4GHZ;
40mW at 5.0GHz
internal
  1. Some manufacturers measure the output power in dBm instead of mW. To convert to mW, you can use the formula (dBm = log10 (mW)*10 mW =10^(dBm/10), or simply refer to popular conversions below:
    30 dBm - 1.00 Watt
    27 dBm - 500 mW
    26 dBm - 400 mW
    25 dBm - 320 mW
    24 dBm - 250 mW
    23 dBm - 200 mW
    22 dBm - 160 mW
    21 dBm - 130 mW
    20 dBm - 100 mW
    15 dBm - 32 mW
    10 dBm - 10 mW
    5 dBm - 3.2 mW
    4 dBm - 2.5 mW
    3 dBm - 2.0 mW
    2 dBm - 1.6 mW
    1 dBm - 1.3 mW
  2. These products support 2.4 and 5.0GHz Wi-Fi, but not simultaneously (you must set it to one mode or the other)
  3. To use 5.0GHz mode on the MBR1400, you must use 5.0GHz-capable antennas (sold separately)
  4. Using "Powerboost" may exceed local regulatory limits

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